Thanks to Elmhurst’s Finest

Thanks to Elmhurst’s Finest

With Veterans Day approaching, America takes a day to officially recognize the service of our countrymen who have made sacrifices to protect us in times of war and peace. At the Gracik-Makinney Real Estate Group, we give a shout out to all who have served, especially the sons and daughters of Elmhurst.

Today, we salute a special daughter of Elmhurst, Sergeant Melinda Makinney. If the last name is familiar, it is because Melinda is my sister. Her story is an excellent example of how those who serve us put the course of their lives at our disposal.

Soon after her high school graduation in 2000 from York H.S. she was deeply touched by the events of September 11, 2001 and enlisted in the Marines the following March of 2002. Currently a Sergeant, she is being promoted to Staff Sergeant. She currently serves as a 0411 Maintenance Management Specialist at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar in California.

Along the way, she finished her Associate of Arts degree from University of Maryland University College, met and married a fellow Marine, and together are raising two sons. In 10 years, she has lived in New Orleans, Louisiana (right before Katrina), Jacksonville, Florida, Okinawa Japan, Baghdad Iraq, and at Camp Pendleton California. Both she and her husband Josh are OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) veterans, so have adjusted to several deployments. Josh has been in Iraq three times. When Melinda was called oversees at the same time, she had to leave her son in the hands of the local Makinneys. She has had a great life, but she has always worked it around the needs of our country and the Marines.

I am so proud of my sister! Thanks, Melinda for all you do. Maria Gracik and Tom Makinneyalso give thanks to all past and present military who have faithfully served our country.

Need to buy or sell a house? Visit our website or give us a call at (630) 567-5902 for more information about this great community of Elmhurst.